American Prelude was commissioned by the United States Marine Band “The President’s Own” and was composed in honor of the retirement of Colonel Jason K. Fettig, the 28th Director of the USMB. This short and energetic work features subtle hints to two of my favorite American composers, Aaron Copland and John Williams. The performance at Colonel Fettig’s final concert with the Marine Band was the world premiere, given at the annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois on Decemb...